The shoe virtuoso talks muses, hidden talents, and what's in store for the future

The name Brian Atwood, in the nearly 10 years since the label's official launch, has become synonymous with high luxury footwear by way of exclusive design and a certain searing sex-appeal. It's a recipe that works well for the New York-based label and its photogenic founder. In the last decade, Brian Atwood has cultivated a legion of celebrity and industry followers across the globe.

To this day, each design sketch, fabric treatment, and specific on technical construction goes through the designer, himself. It's a well-studied process that is richly communicated through each one of the Brian Atwood designs. In this way, Atwood creates collections that offer entrée into a world of studied craftsmanship and modern glamour. It's a sensibility that eschews the crutch of momentary trends, and over-hyped PR. Brian Atwood, through this particular brand of classicism with a modern twist, is quietly becoming a giant in the world of women's shoe design.

ELLEAccessories Channel catches up with the designer in his airy and perfectly-appointed New York City Chelsea apartment, to find out what's on the designer's radar and what's next for his growing label...

Brian Atwood

Brian Atwood

When did you first realize you wanted to design and what was it about women's shoes, in particular, that inspired you?

I must have been about 14 or 15. I started off designing RTW but I was always sketching shoes everywhere. It wasn't until Gianni Versace hired me that I officially began my career as a shoe designer.

How did you get your start in the industry?

I started freelancing in NYC for sportswear companies and I was modeling at the same time. I knew that I wanted to live and work in Europe so I did just that. My first real job was at Versace where I learned everything you can imagine. It was the best education one could ever ask for.